Midland seeks strength after deadly train crash

Updated 8:23 am, Monday, November 19, 2012

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Joshua Michael is seen in an undated courtesy photo provided Friday Nov. 16, 2012 by his family. Sgt. Michael was killed Thursday when.a train collided with the parade float he was riding on during a Show of Support evenet in Midland. He is seen with his wife, Daylyn.

Joshua Michael is seen in an undated courtesy photo provided Friday Nov. 16, 2012 by his family. Sgt. Michael was killed Thursday when.a train collided with the parade float he was riding on during a Show of

Joshua Michael is seen in an undated courtesy photo provided Friday Nov. 16, 2012 by his family. Sgt. Michael was killed Thursday when.a train collided with the parade float he was riding on during a Show of Support evenet in Midland. He is seen with his wife, Daylyn.

Joshua Michael is seen in an undated courtesy photo provided Friday Nov. 16, 2012 by his family. Sgt. Michael was killed Thursday when.a train collided with the parade float he was riding on during a Show of

Joshua Michael is seen in an undated courtesy photo provided Friday Nov. 16, 2012 by his family. Sgt. Michael was killed Thursday when.a train collided with the parade float he was riding on during a Show of Support evenet in Midland.

Joshua Michael is seen in an undated courtesy photo provided Friday Nov. 16, 2012 by his family. Sgt. Michael was killed Thursday when.a train collided with the parade float he was riding on during a Show of

Joshua Michael is seen in an undated courtesy photo provided Friday Nov. 16, 2012 by his family. Sgt. Michael was killed Thursday when.a train collided with the parade float he was riding on during a Show of Support evenet in Midland.

Joshua Michael is seen in an undated courtesy photo provided Friday Nov. 16, 2012 by his family. Sgt. Michael was killed Thursday when.a train collided with the parade float he was riding on during a Show of

About two dozen veterans and their spouses were riding on the final two floats of the annual Hunt for Heroes parade in Midland when a fast-moving freight train struck the last float. Four veterans were killed in the crash, including retired Army Sgt. Joshua Michael of San Antonio.

About two dozen veterans and their spouses were riding on the final two floats of the annual Hunt for Heroes parade in Midland when a fast-moving freight train struck the last float. Four veterans were killed

This undated family photo provided the Show of Support, Hunt for Heroes committee shows Sgt. Maj. Gary Stouffer, 37, one of four veterans killed when a parade float he was riding on was struck by a freight train at a crossing Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, in Midland, Texas.

This undated family photo provided the Show of Support, Hunt for Heroes committee shows Sgt. Maj. Gary Stouffer, 37, one of four veterans killed when a parade float he was riding on was struck by a freight

This undated family photo provided the Show of Support, Hunt for Heroes committee shows Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Boivin, 47, one of four veterans killed when a parade float he was riding on was struck by a freight at a crossing Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, in Midland, Texas.

This undated family photo provided the Show of Support, Hunt for Heroes committee shows Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Boivin, 47, one of four veterans killed when a parade float he was riding on was struck by a freight at

This undated family photo provided the Show of Support, Hunt for Heroes committee shows Sgt. Maj. William Lubbers, 43, one of four veterans killed when a parade float he was riding on was struck by a freight train at a crossing Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, in Midland, Texas.

This undated family photo provided the Show of Support, Hunt for Heroes committee shows Sgt. Maj. William Lubbers, 43, one of four veterans killed when a parade float he was riding on was struck by a freight

Senior pastor Randel Everett leads a worship service at the First Baptist Church Sunday Nov. 18, 2012 in Midland, Tx. Everett asked worshipers to pray for people involved in the Thursday Nov. 15, 2012 accident where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area.

Senior pastor Randel Everett leads a worship service at the First Baptist Church Sunday Nov. 18, 2012 in Midland, Tx. Everett asked worshipers to pray for people involved in the Thursday Nov. 15, 2012 accident

Kimberley and Bobby Norman and others pray for people involved in the Thursday Nov. 15, 2012 accident where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area, during a service at the First Baptist Church Sunday Nov. 18, 2012 in Midland, Tx.

Kimberley and Bobby Norman and others pray for people involved in the Thursday Nov. 15, 2012 accident where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans, killing four men, including one from

Worshipers pray for people involved in the Thursday Nov. 15, 2012 accident where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area, during a service at the First Baptist Church Sunday Nov. 18, 2012 in Midland, Tx.

Worshipers pray for people involved in the Thursday Nov. 15, 2012 accident where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area,

Worshipers pray for people involved in the Thursday Nov. 15, 2012 accident where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area, during a service at the First Baptist Church Sunday Nov. 18, 2012 in Midland, Tx.

Worshipers pray for people involved in the Thursday Nov. 15, 2012 accident where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area,

One of four crosses at the intersection, Sunday Nov. 18, 2012, in Midland, Tx., where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans on Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area.

One of four crosses at the intersection, Sunday Nov. 18, 2012, in Midland, Tx., where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans on Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one

Pat Moore, 66, lays a wreath at the intersection, Sunday Nov. 18, 2012, in Midland, Tx., where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans on Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area.

A Union Pacific train passes four crosses at the intersection, Sunday Nov. 18, 2012, in Midland, Tx., where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans on Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area. less

A Union Pacific train passes four crosses at the intersection, Sunday Nov. 18, 2012, in Midland, Tx., where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans on Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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Workers inspect the intersection, Sunday Nov. 18, 2012, in Midland, Tx., where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans on Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area.

Workers inspect the intersection, Sunday Nov. 18, 2012, in Midland, Tx., where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans on Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the

An American flag and flowers left at the at the intersection, Saturday Nov. 17, 2012, in Midland, Tx., where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans onThursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area.

An American flag and flowers left at the at the intersection, Saturday Nov. 17, 2012, in Midland, Tx., where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans onThursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing

Workers check railroad crossing signals, Saturday Nov. 17, 2012, in Midland, Tx., at the intersection where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans,Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area. American flags and flowers were placed at the site after the accident.

Workers check railroad crossing signals, Saturday Nov. 17, 2012, in Midland, Tx., at the intersection where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans,Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area.

An American flag and flowers left at the at the intersection, Saturday Nov. 17, 2012, in Midland, Tx., where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans on Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area.

An American flag and flowers left at the at the intersection, Saturday Nov. 17, 2012, in Midland, Tx., where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans on Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing

American flags, flowers, and a Texas flag left at the at the intersection, Saturday Nov. 17, 2012, in Midland, Tx., where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans onThursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area.

American flags, flowers, and a Texas flag left at the at the intersection, Saturday Nov. 17, 2012, in Midland, Tx., where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans onThursday Nov. 15,

A Union Pacific train passes an American flag and flowers Saturday Nov. 17, 2012, in Midland, Tx., at the intersection where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans,Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area.

A Union Pacific train passes an American flag and flowers Saturday Nov. 17, 2012, in Midland, Tx., at the intersection where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans,Thursday Nov. 15,

A Union Pacific train passes an American flag and flowers Saturday Nov. 17, 2012, in Midland, Tx., at the intersection where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans onThursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area.

A Union Pacific train passes an American flag and flowers Saturday Nov. 17, 2012, in Midland, Tx., at the intersection where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans onThursday Nov. 15,

About 200 people attend a candlelight vigil held at Centennial Plaza, in downtown Midland, Tx., Saturday Nov. 17, 2012, to remember people involved in an accident where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans,Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area.

About 200 people attend a candlelight vigil held at Centennial Plaza, in downtown Midland, Tx., Saturday Nov. 17, 2012, to remember people involved in an accident where a Union Pacific train struck a float

Rebecca and Daniel Young hug while attending a candlelight vigil held at Centennial Plaza, in downtown Midland, Tx., Saturday Nov. 17, 2012, to remember people involved in an accident where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans,Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area.

Rebecca and Daniel Young hug while attending a candlelight vigil held at Centennial Plaza, in downtown Midland, Tx., Saturday Nov. 17, 2012, to remember people involved in an accident where a Union Pacific

City of Midland employee Scott Pyle places his hand over his heart during the playing of "Taps" part of a candlelight vigil held at Centennial Plaza in downtown Midland, Tx., Saturday Nov. 17, 2012. The vigil was held to remember people involved in an accident where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans,Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area.

City of Midland employee Scott Pyle places his hand over his heart during the playing of "Taps" part of a candlelight vigil held at Centennial Plaza in downtown Midland, Tx., Saturday Nov. 17, 2012. The vigil

People hold an American flag during a candlelight vigil held at Centennial Plaza in downtown Midland, Tx., Saturday Nov. 17, 2012. The vigil was held to remember people involved in an accident where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans,Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area.

People hold an American flag during a candlelight vigil held at Centennial Plaza in downtown Midland, Tx., Saturday Nov. 17, 2012. The vigil was held to remember people involved in an accident where a Union

Midland Mayor Wes Perry speaks during a candlelight vigil held at Centennial Plaza in downtown Midland, Tx., Saturday Nov. 17, 2012. The vigil was held to remember people involved in an accident where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans,Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area.

Midland Mayor Wes Perry speaks during a candlelight vigil held at Centennial Plaza in downtown Midland, Tx., Saturday Nov. 17, 2012. The vigil was held to remember people involved in an accident where a Union

People attend a candlelight vigil held at Centennial Plaza in downtown Midland, Tx., Saturday Nov. 17, 2012. The vigil was held to remember people involved in an accident where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans,Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area.

People attend a candlelight vigil held at Centennial Plaza in downtown Midland, Tx., Saturday Nov. 17, 2012. The vigil was held to remember people involved in an accident where a Union Pacific train struck a

U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX) speaks during a candlelight vigil held at Centennial Plaza in downtown Midland, Tx., Saturday Nov. 17, 2012. The vigil was held to remember people involved in an accident where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans,Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area.

U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX) speaks during a candlelight vigil held at Centennial Plaza in downtown Midland, Tx., Saturday Nov. 17, 2012. The vigil was held to remember people involved in an accident where a

A Midland police officer holds the United States Honor Flag during a candlelight vigil held at Centennial Plaza in downtown Midland, Tx., Saturday Nov. 17, 2012. The vigil was held to remember people involved in an accident where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans,Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area.

A Midland police officer holds the United States Honor Flag during a candlelight vigil held at Centennial Plaza in downtown Midland, Tx., Saturday Nov. 17, 2012. The vigil was held to remember people involved

Patriot Guard riders gather Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, as ride captain Ductape leads them in prayers for the victims and their families of the veterans parade accident Thursday, where four veterans were killed and 16 other people were injured when a train slammed into a parade float carrying the returning heroes to a banquet. (AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram, Tim Fischer) less

Patriot Guard riders gather Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, as ride captain Ductape leads them in prayers for the victims and their families of the veterans parade accident Thursday, where four ... more

Photo: Tim Fischer, Associated Press

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Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a trailer carrying veterans in a parade was struck by a train crossing in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson tells the Midland Reporter-Telegram that a Union Pacific train slammed into the trailer that was on its way to a wounded veterans event, resulting in multiple injuries. (AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram, Tim Fischer)

Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a trailer carrying veterans in a parade was struck by a train crossing in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and

Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson tells the Midland Reporter-Telegram that there are "multiple, multiple" injuries and organizers still are trying to account for everyone. (AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram, Tim Fischer) less

Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and ... more

Photo: Tim Fischer, Associated Press

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Pastor Roy Smith comforts Terry Johnson, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, following a community prayer service for all those involved in an incident Thursday, where four veterans were killed and 16 other people were injured when a train slammed into a parade float carrying the returning heroes to a banquet. (AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram, Tim Fischer) less

Pastor Roy Smith comforts Terry Johnson, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, following a community prayer service for all those involved in an incident Thursday, where four veterans were killed and 16 ... more

Photo: Tim Fischer, Associated Press

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Johnie Lee Qualls, left, comforts and talks with Terry Johnson, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, before a community prayer service to pray for all those involved in an incident Thursday, where four veterans were killed and 16 other people were injured when a train slammed into a parade float carrying the returning heroes to a banquet. (AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram, Tim Fischer) less

Johnie Lee Qualls, left, comforts and talks with Terry Johnson, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, before a community prayer service to pray for all those involved in an incident Thursday, where four ... more

Photo: Tim Fischer, Associated Press

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Hundreds gather early Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, some holding flags, for a prayer service to honor and pray for all those involved in the incident on Thursday where four veterans were killed and 16 other people were injured when a train slammed into a parade float carrying the returning heroes to a banquet. (AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram, Tim Fischer) less

Hundreds gather early Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, some holding flags, for a prayer service to honor and pray for all those involved in the incident on Thursday where four veterans were killed and ... more

Photo: Tim Fischer, Associated Press

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Hundreds gather early Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, some holding flags, for a prayer service to honor and pray for all those involved in the incident on Thursday where four veterans were killed and 16 other people were injured when a train slammed into a parade float carrying the returning heroes to a banquet. (AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram, Tim Fischer) less

Hundreds gather early Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, some holding flags, for a prayer service to honor and pray for all those involved in the incident on Thursday where four veterans were killed and ... more

Photo: Tim Fischer, Associated Press

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Parade participants react after a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson says there are "multiple injuries" after a Union Pacific train slammed into the trailer, killing at least four people and injuring 17 others. (AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram, James Durbin) less

Parade participants react after a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson says there ... more

Photo: James Durbin, Associated Press

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"Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson talks on the phone following a fatal accident where a semi trailer carrying veterans in the Hunt for Heroes parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. Johnson tells the Midland Reporter-Telegram that there are "multiple, multiple" injuries and organizers still are trying to account for everyone. (AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram, Tim Fischer) less

"Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson talks on the phone following a fatal accident where a semi trailer carrying veterans in the Hunt for Heroes parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, ... more

Photo: Tim Fischer, Associated Press

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Parade participants react after a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson says there are "multiple injuries" after a Union Pacific train slammed into the trailer, killing at least four people and injuring 17 others. (AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram, James Durbin) less

Parade participants react after a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson says there ... more

Photo: James Durbin, Associated Press

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Parade participants and pubic safety officials huddle after a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson says there are "multiple injuries" after a Union Pacific train slammed into the trailer, killing at least four people and injuring 17 others. (AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram, James Durbin) less

Parade participants and pubic safety officials huddle after a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and ... more

Photo: James Durbin, Associated Press

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Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson tells the Midland Reporter-Telegram that there are "multiple, multiple" injuries and organizers still are trying to account for everyone. (AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram, James Durbin) less

Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and ... more

Photo: James Durbin, Associated Press

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Bystanders react as emergency personnel work the scene where a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson says there are "multiple injuries" after a Union Pacific train slammed into the trailer, killing at least four people and injuring 17 others. (AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram, James Durbin) less

Bystanders react as emergency personnel work the scene where a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and ... more

Photo: James Durbin, Associated Press

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Rob Fields holds up the blood type of his wife, Laura, outside the packed United Blood Services in Midland after a parade float carrying wounded veterans and their families was struck by a train Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, killing four and injuring 17, in Midland, Texas. Fields and his wife Laura traveled more than 30 miles from Lenorah, Texas after hearing on the television news that the United Blood Services was specifically in need of 0- type blood. (AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram, James Durbin) less

Rob Fields holds up the blood type of his wife, Laura, outside the packed United Blood Services in Midland after a parade float carrying wounded veterans and their families was struck by a train Thursday, Nov. ... more

Photo: James Durbin, Associated Press

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A flatbed truck carries wounded veterans and their families during a parade before it was struck by a train Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 in Midland, Texas. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson says there are "multiple injuries" after a Union Pacific train slammed into the trailer, killing at least four people and injuring 17 others. (AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram, James Durbin) less

A flatbed truck carries wounded veterans and their families during a parade before it was struck by a train Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 in Midland, Texas. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson says ... more

Photo: James Durbin, Associated Press

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Patriot Guard Riders comfort each other Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, as they gather for a prayer service to pray for all those involved in the veterans parade train accident Thursday, where four veterans were killed and 16 other people were injured when a train slammed into a parade float carrying the returning heroes to a banquet. (AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram, Tim Fischer) less

Patriot Guard Riders comfort each other Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, as they gather for a prayer service to pray for all those involved in the veterans parade train accident Thursday, where four ... more

Photo: Tim Fischer, Associated Press

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Police officers walk in front of a trailer that was carrying wounded veterans in a parade when it was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. Four veterans were killed and 16 other people were injured when the train slammed into a parade float carrying the returning veterans to a banquet to honor them officials said Friday. The float took the full force of the train at a railroad crossing Thursday afternoon. Some people managed to jump clear as the train, with its horn blasting, bore down on the float decorated with American flags. (AP Photo/Juan Carlos Llorca) less

Police officers walk in front of a trailer that was carrying wounded veterans in a parade when it was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. Four veterans were killed and 16 other people ... more

Photo: Juan Carlos Llorca, Associated Press

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Hundreds gather early Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, some holding flags, for a prayer service to honor and pray for all those involved in the incident on Thursday where four veterans were killed and 16 other people were injured when a train slammed into a parade float carrying the returning heroes to a banquet. (AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram, Tim Fischer) less

Hundreds gather early Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, some holding flags, for a prayer service to honor and pray for all those involved in the incident on Thursday where four veterans were killed and ... more

Photo: Tim Fischer, Associated Press

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Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson tells the Midland Reporter-Telegram that there are "multiple, multiple" injuries and organizers still are trying to account for everyone. (AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram, Tim Fischer) less

Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and ... more

Photo: Tim Fischer, Associated Press

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Workers use a Midland Fire Department ladder truck to photograph the scene of the crash, Friday Nov. 16, 2012, involving a Union Pacific train and a parade float carrying military veterans in Midland, Tx. Four veterans were killed in the accident which occurred Thursday afternoon. less

Workers use a Midland Fire Department ladder truck to photograph the scene of the crash, Friday Nov. 16, 2012, involving a Union Pacific train and a parade float carrying military veterans in Midland, Tx. Four ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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A member of the Midland Police Department works the scene of the crash, Friday Nov. 16, 2012, involving a Union Pacific train and a parade float carrying military veterans in Midland, Tx. Four veterans were killed in the accident which occurred Thursday afternoon. less

A member of the Midland Police Department works the scene of the crash, Friday Nov. 16, 2012, involving a Union Pacific train and a parade float carrying military veterans in Midland, Tx. Four veterans were ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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Members of the Midland Police Department works the scene of the crash, Friday Nov. 16, 2012, involving a Union Pacific train and a parade float carrying military veterans in Midland, Tx. Four veterans were killed in the accident which occurred Thursday afternoon. less

Members of the Midland Police Department works the scene of the crash, Friday Nov. 16, 2012, involving a Union Pacific train and a parade float carrying military veterans in Midland, Tx. Four veterans were ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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National Transportation Safety Board member Mark Rosekind speaks during a press conference at the scene of the crash, Friday Nov. 16, 2012, involving a Union Pacific train and a parade float carrying military veterans in Midland, Tx. Four veterans were killed in the accident which occurred Thursday afternoon. less

National Transportation Safety Board member Mark Rosekind speaks during a press conference at the scene of the crash, Friday Nov. 16, 2012, involving a Union Pacific train and a parade float carrying military ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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National Transportation Safety Board member Mark Rosekind (right) speaks during a press conference at the scene of the crash, Friday Nov. 16, 2012, involving a Union Pacific train and a parade float carrying military veterans in Midland, Tx. Four veterans were killed in the accident which occurred Thursday afternoon. less

National Transportation Safety Board member Mark Rosekind (right) speaks during a press conference at the scene of the crash, Friday Nov. 16, 2012, involving a Union Pacific train and a parade float carrying ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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National Transportation Safety Board member Mark Rosekind (center) speaks during a press conference at the scene of the crash, Friday Nov. 16, 2012, involving a Union Pacific train and a parade float carrying military veterans in Midland, Tx. Four veterans were killed in the accident which occurred Thursday afternoon. less

National Transportation Safety Board member Mark Rosekind (center) speaks during a press conference at the scene of the crash, Friday Nov. 16, 2012, involving a Union Pacific train and a parade float carrying ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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Midland seeks strength after deadly train crash

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MIDLAND — As residents struggled Sunday to cope with a train wreck that killed four military veterans and injured more than a dozen others, sermons across the city shared messages of hope, faith and community support.

The sermons came three days after a Union Pacific train struck a parade float carrying veterans injured in combat and their spouses to a banquet in their honor. A San Antonio man was among those killed.

“The beauty of a fall day was interrupted Thursday by death,” the Rev. Randel Everett, senior pastor at First Baptist Church, said from the pulpit Sunday. “We don't understand why some of those who have faced so much had to face even more. These men were heroes.”

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As he spoke, churchgoers in the packed fellowship hall held hands and dabbed tears from their eyes.

“All of us are heartbroken, and facing questions today we don't have answers to,” he said. “We feel shock, anger, bitterness. ... But remember that God is our rock, our father, our deliverer.”

Amid the chaos, he said, the community has strengthened, and Everett said he was proud of his congregation's response to the crash victims' needs. The church, which is next to Midland Memorial Hospital, where the injured victims were taken, had served as a base for first responders, victims and witnesses in the days after the crash.

Congregants brought food and water, and money is still being collected at the church. On Friday, a group who'd planned to cook for veterans at a hunting lodge dragged a grill out to the church's parking lot, where they served barbecue to more than 300 people.

Hank Henry, the church's associate minister of mission, said his cellphone rang nonstop for days. A group of officials counseled people at the church, he said, and he and others from the church visited with hospitalized victims and their spouses.

“We just listened, and let them share their hurts and sorrows,” Henry said. “We just heard them out and try to encourage them.”

At the site of Thursday's crash — which killed Army Sgts. Joshua Michael, 34, and William Lubbers, 43; Marine Chief Warrant Officer Gary Stouffer, 37, and Army Sgt. Lawrence Boivin, 47 — small flags and bouquets were placed on all four corners of the intersection where the crash occurred. Just before a candlelight vigil in the town's plaza Saturday, Patriot Guard Riders of Texas escorted veterans to the site, where they laid a wreath near four small wooden crosses that someone had erected.

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On Sunday, Midland resident Pat Moore left a wreath next to the crosses. Her daughter is one of thousands of volunteers for the Show of Support's Hunt for Heroes, which honors veterans with a West Texas white-tail deer hunt, a banquet, lunches, shopping trips for the veterans' spouses and the parade.

“It's just horrible. It's the saddest thing that I've ever heard,” said Moore, 66. “They say when the veterans come here, Midland welcomes them. This is the least I can do.”

Since 2004, locals have opened their pocketbooks and hearts to the event, the brainchild of Terry and Paula Johnson. About 6,000 people, including the Johnsons, were awaiting the parade's arrival at Midland County's Horseshoe Arena.

But instead of showering the heroes with gifts, memories and gratitude, Show of Support volunteers scrambled to meet their logistical needs, organizing early flights home and taking out-of-town relatives to the sides of their hospitalized loved ones.

“More private airplanes were made available than we could use,” said McKinney, a Show of Support board member and spokesman.

By Sunday, McKinney said, all the participants had flown home except for two who remained hospitalized here and a third hospitalized in Lubbock. McKinney said the board expects to hold the event next year.

The NTSB's preliminary investigation showed that warning signals including flashing red lights and bells had been activated 20 seconds before the train reached the crossing, as required by Federal Railroad Administration standards. The crossing arms started to descend one second before the float's driver, whose name has not been released, drove into the crossing, NTSB member Mark Rosekind said.

In a news conference Sunday, Rosekind said all the signals had all been tested and that “the system is functioning as designed.” No mechanical, maintenance or track anomalies were found, he said.

Officials had not talked to the driver of the float, Rosekind said, but the NTSB is working with Midland-based Smith Industries to get an interview with him.

At least one victim has retained a lawyer. Kansas-based Bob Pottroff, known for work in railroad and public safety cases, said he is suspicious of the data gathered by the NTSB. The FRA's 20-second requirement is a minimum standard, he said, speculating that a design standard set by the designers of the intersection might have required the signals to be activated earlier.

He wouldn't give his client's name but said the victim was injured in the crash and still hospitalized. For the victim's family, “it's been a nightmare,” he said, adding, “They're really concerned about their future.”

Also on Sunday, the widow of a San Antonio-area veteran killed in the crash announced his funeral arrangements. As the train approached, Joshua Michael pushed his wife, Daylyn, off of the float, helping her to escape the collision without injury. She looked back at the float to see him being flung into the air, her relatives have said.

An Amarillo native who medically retired from the Wounded Warrior Transition Battalion at then-Brooke Army Medical Center in August 2010, Michael will be buried in Amarillo on Saturday. During his two tours to Iraq, he was injured three times, twice suffering a traumatic brain injury. Later, he was awarded two Purple Hearts.

Family spokesman Cory Rogers said the funeral will be at the former San Jacinto UMC building at 505 S. Tennessee, where the couple attended church, at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Llano Cemetery.